4A13
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is supervisory psychological work directing a program of psychological testing, psychotherapy, and other psychological services for inmates in a large municipal prison system. The incumbent develops and modifies program goals and objectives in relation to inmate population needs and correctional policy and theory. Supervision of a staff of lower level psychologists and student interns as well as establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, and representatives of outside agencies are important aspects of the work. The employee reports to an administrative superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class)
1. The position must direct a program of psychological testing, psychotherapy and other psychological services, and psychologist staff providing individual and group counseling services for inmates in a large municipal prison system.
2. Only one position will be allocated to this class in the Philadelphia Prisons.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Plans, organizes and directs the psychological services at a large correctional institution; directs the work of a small staff of psychologists in the prisons; receives requests for consultations for diagnostic psychological examinations and assigns cases to members of the psychological staff.
Develops and plans psychological programs and new services to be carried out in the correctional institution; determines, develops, and modifies procedures for the use and administration of psychological tests and services.
Trains psychologists, students, graduate students, and other staff in psychological methods and techniques; instructs psychologists in the administration and evaluation of various psychological tests to be used in the prison.
Directs the administration and interpretation of a wide variety of psychological measures including intelligence, vocational, educational, and personality tests; provides direction on interview techniques; reviews reports.
Directs and supervises staff engaged in conducting a sex offender program including both individual and group counseling; reviews case records and progress, and ensures that departmental policies and procedures are followed; makes recommendations concerning staffing the sex offender program on a rotational basis.
Develops and implements policies and procedures pertinent to psychological services and the sex offender program; develops and modifies a comprehensive record keeping system for use in the program which appropriately interfaces with other prison units and outside agencies; directs training given to Prisons staff on related mental health issues.
Prepares written and oral reports on program operations, progress, and recommendations for change.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• psychological test procedures, psychometric theory, and standard test forms and devices used in ascertaining intelligence, aptitude, personality, and related psychological traits
• mental illnesses and their symptoms, and of the principles and techniques of psychotherapy used in the treatment of adults and young adults
• personality structures and development
• projective techniques including the Rorschach test
• the fundamental types and problems of mental disease and abnormal behavior.
• the sources of information and of current literature and research projects in the field of psychology and psychometrics
• the principles and practices used in conducting psychological research, including experimental design and statistical techniques
• the application of psychological techniques to a teamwork approach in treatment
SKILL IN:
• the administration of a wide variety of psychometric examinations, including projective techniques, and in the techniques of psychological interviews with mentally ill and maladjusted persons
ABILITY TO:
• plan, assign, and supervise the work of subordinate personnel and to work cooperatively and effectively with professional staff members
• interpret psychological information and to make sound recommendations based on such information
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 5/19.)
EDUCATION:
Possession of a doctorate degree in psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology, or counseling psychology from an accredited college or university.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience performing intensive individual psychological evaluation, testing, and therapy.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
Three years of full performance level psychological experience, which has involved intensive diagnostics and psychological treatment of prison inmates.
NOTE: Possession of a current license as a Psychologist as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology may substitute for the general experience requirements.
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department, which includes a doctorate degree in a clinical field where psychometrics and psychological counseling are major components of the curriculum and the specific experience.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Spec. Revision:
CSC 10/01
Ad. Board 1/02
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC 4/19
Ad. Board 5/19
JH